On Monday, a large gathering of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia marked the celebration of Christmas, dressed in traditional white attire as they engaged in prayers and a midnight mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and the end of a 43-day fasting period.
Ethiopia adheres to the Julian calendar, which designates Christmas on January 7th and the new year on September 11th.
Menalem Eshetu, a dedicated member of the Orthodox community, conveyed his happiness, stating, “We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and our hearts are filled with joy. We look forward to more spiritual events in the future.”
Isaias Seyoum, a priest at Selassie Church in Addis Ababa, reflected on the significance of the gathering, saying, “Our assembly here transcends mere celebration… We aim to engage in good deeds as we depart… These holidays provide us the opportunity to support the less fortunate, uplift the vulnerable, and strengthen our sense of community…”
This year’s celebrations take place in the context of recent earthquakes in the Afar, Amhara, and Oromia regions, which have led to the displacement of many individuals and considerable property damage.
Across the nation, millions of Christians maintain their customs by slaughtering animals and reuniting with family to break their fast after midnight.
The festivities typically follow a church service and culminate in a feast, where generous portions of meat are shared among family and friends.
